If you’re like me, when it comes to your child’s birthday party, you want it to be a spectacular day for your child.  San Diego has tons of fun and creative birthday party services and venues.  From entertainers that come to you, to full-service, all-in-one party places, San Diego has a multitude of options.

Want to do it all yourself, but NOT at your house?  

With San Diego’s temperate weather, outside birthday parties can take place throughout the year (if your child does have a birth month that can see rain, it is best to have a back-up plan just in case.)  The nearly endless supply of beaches and parks are perfect for birthday parties.  Some favorites of mine (where we have hosted parties or attended friend’s parties) are:

• Mission Point / Mission Point Park at South Mission Beach (bayside) – If you head south on Mission Blvd (past Belmont Park roller coaster) all the way to the end and make a left onto N Jetty Rd, you will arrive into a parking lot for Mission Point.  Pros:  Usually not crowded; bay side, so no waves (I preferred the bay when my boys were little); restroom and small playground in the park portion; has its own parking lot; food delivery possible.  Cons:  If Mission Beach is crowded (such as during the summer or on a holiday) the parking lot can be full from the overflow of beach-goers; bathrooms are in the park portion, a short walk from the beach
• Pioneer Park, Mission Hills – Located next to Grant School, this park has a large grassy area and playground.  Pros:  great playground; bathrooms; flat grassy area for setting up tables, chairs, etc.; local restaurants such as Lefty’s Pizza deliver; rumored to allow alcohol.  Cons:  Cemetery toward the back side of the park; street parking; could be crowded if there were more than one party at a time
• NTC Park at Liberty Station, Point Loma – With its abundance of grassy areas, you’re likely to see multiple birthdays at the park on any given weekend.  Pros:  2 great playgrounds; ability to bring in a bouncy house (permit required); ability to serve alcohol (permit required); lots of parking in nearby lots; restrooms.  Cons:  playground can be crowded on weekends; check the event calendar for Run/Walks, etc., many organizations host their fundraising Walk/Runs at Liberty Station, which would make it difficult to access the park, cause parking difficulty, etc.
• Cedar Ridge Park Canyon, South Park – Located where Nile Street ends (cross street Quince) you’ll find Montclair Park / Cedar Ridge Park.  Pros:  large grassy area; great playground; neighborhood park, not typically crowded; at the base of cul-de-sac.  Cons: No bathroom (limits the party length); some guests may have to park up the hill and walk if the cul-de-sac fills up; can be a little tricky to find

Bring the Entertainment to you?

Maybe you have a great backyard, but don’t want to be in charge of entertaining the entire time.  There are several party options that come to you!  Here are a few options based on common kids’ interests:

• Reptile Lover?  The Lizard Wizard will bring an array of reptiles, amphibians and arthropods for your guests to see and touch. With 60 and 90 minute birthday packages ranging from $200-$350.
• Ponies and Petting Zoo? My Little Pony Rides will bring their ponies and other animals to your backyard (front yard, side yard or park).  Your party guests can ride decorated ponies and hold and feed animals.
• Little Gymnast? For ages 2-5, Tumble GymBus will pull up in front of your house and host your little gymnasts inside their bus!  Recommended party size is 15 children and prices range from $325-$375.
• Gamer or Laser Tag enthusiast?  Gamez on Wheelz will arrive with their Game truck theaters that entertain up to 28 kids at once!  Or, they’ll bring an outdoor (indoor also possible) laser tag production complete with inflatable bunkers, trained “commanding officers,” all equipment (no headbands needed) and missions, for ages 6+.   

Party Places, All-in-One stop

And finally, if you want a complete party where you show up and it is all handled for you, here are a few places we’ve had positive experiences with.  Invitations, party supplies, food and entertainment, plus a party planner for the day-of; these venues have it dialed.

• Urban Jungle in Santee is a favorite for my boys (we’ve had 2 parties here).  They love the trampolines, rock climbing structure, climbing structure and slides.  The party allows for 1.5 hours of play and then they announce for your party to go to your private party room for pizza and cake. Age range probably 5 yrs+. You can have your guests fill out the online waiver before they come.  Just bring the cake!
• Kid Ventures has several locations – Liberty Station Point Loma, Eastlake Chula Vista, and 4S Ranch. This was a favorite place when my boys were little for both play days and birthday parties.  It’s an imagination powerhouse with a castle, pirate ship, grocery store, theater, fire station, diner and more!  Probably most popular with ages 3-5. 
• Lazer Journey in Chula Vista is located within the Showroom Place center which also houses Tavern & Bowl Chula Vista, SkyZone Trampoline Park and Kid Ventures Eastlake. We’ve had two birthday parties as Lazer Journey and had great experiences both times!  We chose it because it is one of the only laser tag places in San Diego that doesn’t require kids to be 7 or 8 years old (so our 5-year-old got to participate at his 7-year-old brother’s party).  The party includes pizza and drinks, play in the arcade room and 2-3 rounds of laser tag.
• Rockin Jump in Miramar is a great indoor trampoline park for birthday parties. We’ve been guests at parties here and it is at the top of the list for an upcoming party.  Kids get lots of energy out and then enjoy a private party room. 
• Vertical Hold Rock Climbing Gym in Middletown (near Old Town San Diego) allows kids to challenge themselves with several different rock climbing walls.  From first-timers to more experienced climbers, there are walls for all levels.  There is a private upstairs party area that looks around the climbing areas and a tight-rope walking station; probably best for ages 5+.

The venues and entertainment I’ve mentioned are only a small fraction of what is available in San Diego on the birthday party front.  If none of these are exactly what you’re looking for, I hope that this at least gets you started with ideas!  Happy Birthday partying!